Engage in the data/science research pipeline in as faithful a manner as possible while maintaining a level suitable for novices.

• Official title: Introduction to Statistics via Modeling
• Unofficial title: Introduction to Data Science and Statistics via Modeling

Domains include: Neuroscience, polisci, environmental studies, econ, biology, …

In other words, engage with all of this…

… and not just this.

We'll be engaging in a simplified version of the whole data/science pipeline. Think how children learn "tee-ball" and "play the whole game" first…

… and then eventually graduate to softball/baseball.

Develop the toolbox necessary to "think with data":

• Data science
• Data modeling
• Statistical inference

Data modeling for

• Explanation: When does \(x\) cause \(y\)?
• Prediction: Based on \(x\), can I make good predictions about \(y\)?

Latter is used in the booming field of machine learning:

• Statistical inference is the act of infering about some unknown by taking a sample.
• But what is inference?

Plato's allegory of the cave

Plato's allegory of the cave

Plato's allegory of the cave

Plato's allegory of the cave

Take your first steps coding.

Two possible "engines" for this class:

• Mathematics: formulas, approximations, etc
• Computers: simulations, random number generation

We're going to focus on the latter. What does this mean?

• Previous coding experience is not a prerequisite! This is not a computer science course!
• Never code from scratch: the "cut/paste/tweak" approach.
• Most important: learing to code is like learning a new language

• 20th century basic skills: Reading, writing, quantitative reasoning
• 21st century basic skills: Reading, writing, quantitative reasoning, and coding

Develop your statistical literacy, a necessary ability for effective citizenship.

H.G. Wells:

"Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write."

• Some of you might become producers of statistics: at work, in your research, etc.
• But all of you will become consumers of statistics: reading the news